Lafayette Travel will enter into a NIL agreement with Levi Lewis, senior quarterback of the University of Louisiana, to promote its EatLafayette campaign showcasing the area’s locally-owned restaurants.
The agreement, which was agreed to late last night, is believed to be one of the first in the State of Louisiana, and one of the first in the country.
“I am excited to announce my first partnership with Lafayette Travel and EatLafayette to promote our areas locally owned restaurants,” Lewis said in a statement. “Blessed to represent the world’s best cuisine in the Acadiana region. The Culture is real. It feels great to be leading the way in this brand new NIL reality and showing what is possible here in Lafayette.”
As part of the agreement, the Scotlandville product will be an Athletic Ambassador, visiting ten restaurants that are locally-owned and use his influence on social media to convince others to join him in the summer-long Eat Lafayette campaign.
“I have watched this process play out in the national media and wanted to be among the first to honor it in a trustworthy manner. My mind kept coming back to Levi. I couldn’t think of a better person or athlete than Levi Lewis for us to partner with on this historic occasion. As a graduate of the University of Louisiana and a lifelong fan who started going to games with his Young Ragin Cajun card at an early age, I recognize the importance of our University and its athletic department’s success to the overall success of our community. The NIL is now a new reality. In my opinion, it is important that our athletes and future athletes know that they can benefit from the program here in Lafayette and Acadiana. I’m proud that Levi entrusted us with this first of undoubtedly many opportunities to come. I know he will represent us well. Geaux Cajuns! “ said Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
Lewis, who is coming back for his fifth season with the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, is coming off of a solid 2020 campaign that included 2,274 yards through the air and 19 passing touchdowns. He also efficient in the ground game as well, rushing for 335 yards and five touchdowns and led the program to a 10-1 record and finished the season ranked in the top 15 for the first time in program history.